Adding RV hookups to your campground can boost your bottom line, appeal to a wider range of RV travelers, and improve the overall guest experience. As the number of RVers continues to grow, full hookup sites are no longer just nice to have, they’re expected.
In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of RV hookup installation and walk through the process step-by-step. We’ll also highlight key considerations for campground owners—like utility access, permitting, and long-term maintenance—so you can make informed decisions and set your park up for success.
Increase Revenue Potential
Sites with full hookups often justify higher nightly or monthly rates. And by offering electric, water, and sewer at the site, you attract a broader audience, including long-term guests and full-time RVers who won’t settle for primitive camping.
Meet Guest Expectations
Many RVers specifically seek out sites with full hookups. When they’re traveling with children, pets, or remote work gear, they don’t want to worry about running out of water or hauling a sewer tote to a dump station. Offering hookups helps you stand out from parks that only offer primitive or partial hookups.
“Guests are searching for long, 50-amp, full hook-up, pull-through sites,” said Gary Ott, co-owner and operations manager of multiple parks in the Northeast United States, “and if they are not showing up in your available inventory, then they are moving on to a campground that does.”
Future-Proof Your Campground
RVs are only getting more advanced and power-hungry. Adding RV hookups now helps you stay ahead of demand, attract repeat customers, and future-proof your business for the next wave of RV travelers.
Most RVs run on either 30-amp or 50-amp electrical service, and many campgrounds choose to offer both to accommodate different rig types. Installing RV electric hookups takes more than just adding pedestals, though. You’ll need to consider site layout, load balancing across your power grid, and surge protection to keep your systems and your guests’ RVs safe.
If you plan to charge for electricity use, consider adding Remote Meter Reading as part of your setup. Smart metering technology helps you recapture electric costs accurately and removes the need for manual reads or flat-rate pricing.
Fresh water access is non-negotiable for most RVers. Whether you’re connecting to a municipal water supply or setting up a well system, your water hookup should include frost protection, pressure regulators, and potable-grade lines. Municipal systems are often easier to maintain, while wells can be more cost-effective long term—just be sure to plan for consistent flow and backup options.
Offering sewer hookups at each site adds major convenience for your guests and makes your campground more attractive for longer stays. You can install a septic system or tie into a public sewer line. Of course, each option comes with its own cost and maintenance considerations. Either way, proper sloping and drainage are your friends. Your guests (and your nose) will thank you!
The cost of installing RV hookups can vary quite a bit based on your property and infrastructure. Here’s a general breakdown:
A few key variables can swing your total cost up or down. Things to keep in mind:
Because costs can vary so much, it’s a good idea to get estimates from licensed contractors early in the planning process. Be sure to ask about future expansion, seasonal considerations, and any hidden costs like inspections or utility upgrades.
Once your RV hookups are in place, there’s one more tool that can make your setup even more efficient: Remote Meter Reading. This smart sub-metering technology tracks electric usage in real-time and automatically bills guests based on what they actually use.
Flat-rate billing can lead to overcharging light users while giving away electricity to high-demand rigs. Remote Meter Reading helps solve that by bringing fairness and accuracy to utility billing. It’s especially helpful for campgrounds looking to manage costs without adding more to their team’s plate.
Mike Sorensen, President & CEO of Wild Energy puts it this way:
“Smart sub-metering technology gives campground owners the ability to automate electric billing, recapture every kilowatt-hour, and free up valuable time. It ensures guests are charged fairly based on what they actually use—no guesswork, no manual calculations. That kind of accuracy and automation isn’t just convenient, it’s good business.”
Michel Rivas, in Business Development at MarineSync, added:
“Campground and resort owners are usually hesitant to install sub-metering at their site, but they quickly appreciate the transparency it brings for utility consumption. When they take the next step and integrate remote metering, they are even more excited for the ease it brings to the management team.”
CampLife integrates with both Wild Energy and MarineSync, so once your meters are installed, usage data flows directly into the CampLife Hub. You’ll save staff time, avoid billing mistakes, and create a more transparent experience for short-stay and long-term guests alike.
Start by mapping out your campground and deciding which sites will receive hookups. Are you upgrading existing sites, adding new ones, or a mix of both? Think about layout—will sites be back-in or pull-through? These details will impact trenching, utility access, and guest convenience.
Next, bring in a licensed electrician to assess your current power capacity and determine what’s needed to support 30-amp, 50-amp, or dual-service pedestals. It’s wise to plan for future expansion now, even if you’re starting small.
Choose between connecting to city water or installing a well. Frost-free hydrants and pressure regulators will help ensure reliable service throughout the year.
Finally, decide whether you’ll use a septic system or connect to a public sewer. Either way, proper drainage, grading, and sloping are critical. This isn’t the place to cut corners. Getting it right the first time can save you from big problems later.
Before any installation begins, check your local zoning laws and permitting requirements. Most areas require inspections at specific phases, especially for electrical and sewer work. Staying compliant from the start helps you avoid costly delays, fines, or guest safety issues down the line.
After everything is up and running, ongoing maintenance is key. Schedule regular checks for electrical panels, water lines, and septic systems to catch issues early. And don’t forget your guests! Clear, simple instructions for how to use each hookup can prevent misuse and extend the life of your systems.
RV hookup sites typically command higher nightly and monthly rates. They also tend to stay booked longer, especially with long-term guests or full-time RVers. Consistent occupancy like that can make a noticeable impact on your seasonal or year-round revenue.
Installing full hookups can benefit your bottom line now and increase your campground’s resale value. As RV travel continues to grow in popularity, a well-equipped, RV-friendly campground stands out as a premium destination that keeps guests coming back.
Installing RV hookups requires planning, permits, and an upfront investment, but the payoff can be significant. Full hookup sites help you attract more guests, increase occupancy, and provide the kind of convenience today’s RVers expect.
With a thoughtful approach to installation and long-term maintenance, you can create a smoother experience for your guests and a stronger return for your business.
Need help managing your upgraded sites? CampLife’s campground management software makes it easy to automate utility billing, stay organized, and keep your operation running efficiently. Reach out to learn more.
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